Scaffold Deck System With Bracket-Supported Partial Length Planks For Creating An Opening To Accommodate Obstacles

ABSTRACT

A scaffold including a pair of scaffold frames has a scaffold platform supported by the frames, which is defined by a series of planks and includes an opening. The opening is formed by a pair of transverse support members that extend between the pair of planks at a location between the scaffold frames. Partial-length scaffold planks, having first and second ends and a length less than the space between the scaffold frames, are supported by the transverse support members and occupy the space between the planks other than at the opening. The transverse support member includes spaced-apart plank engagement sections that rest on upwardly facing surfaces of the planks, and a plank end support member that extends between the plank engagement sections. A scaffolding platform system and a method of forming a scaffolding platform are also disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application Ser.No. 61/862,235, filed Aug. 5, 2013, the entire contents of which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many scaffold systems commonly include spaced-apart vertically stackedframes that are connected together by spreader bars. The frames commonlydefine one or more horizontal surfaces that are oriented to supportplanks or other structures to define a deck or a platform for supportingone or more users at a desired elevated position.

As shown in FIG. 26, there are situations in which obstructions 10, suchas pipes, conduits, etc. are encountered at the elevated location andinterfere with the ability to fully enclose the space between the rails12 of scaffold frames to form a full plane associated with the elevateddeck 16. Commonly, a filler member 18, which may be formed of lumbersuch as plywood or other appropriate flat materials such as metals oraluminum sheet or diamond plate material, is cut and shaped to cooperatewith and be fastened, commonly using nails or screws, to one or more ofthe planks 20. The filler member 18 typically spans between plankslocated on opposite sides of the obstruction 10 and forms an opening forthe obstruction 10 to extend through the deck 16, such that the deck 16defines a plane that is as full as possible around the obstruction 10 inorder to safely support users, tools and other materials in a desiredmanner.

As can be appreciated, the custom fabrication and installation of thefiller member such as 18 is time consuming, inefficient and wasteful, inthat the filler member 18 commonly has limited applicability to otherobstruction configurations. In addition, the overlapping of the fillermember 18 on top of the planks 20 results in an undesirable elevationdeviation with respect to the work surface associated with the deck orplatform. Therefore, there is a need for a scaffolding deck system thatcan be individualized to form a number of deck configurations asrequired to accommodate obstructions that must pass through the deck,and which generates a nearly planar platform surface.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a scaffoldingarrangement comprises a pair of spaced-apart scaffold frames and ascaffold platform supported by the scaffold frames. The scaffoldplatform is defined by a series of side-by-side planks, and defines atleast one opening located between a pair of planks. The opening isformed by the pair of planks in combination with at least onepartial-length scaffold plank having first and second ends and a lengthless than the space between the scaffold frames. The partial-lengthplank includes a support member located toward the first end thatextends between and is supported by the pair of planks at a locationbetween the scaffold frames. In one form, the opening is defined betweenthe first end of the partial-length plank and one of the scaffoldframes. In another form, the partial-length plank is one of a pair ofpartial-length planks, each of which includes a support member, and theopening is formed by the first end of a first one of the partial-lengthplanks in combination with a first end of a second one of thepartial-length planks.

Representatively, the support member may include a pair of spaced-apartplank engagement sections interconnected with the partial-length plank.The pair of spaced-apart plank engagement sections may be secured tospaced-apart areas of the partial length plank separately from eachother, or alternatively the support member may include a transversemember that extends between and interconnects the plank engagementsections.

Each plank engagement section may include an upper wall configured toengage and rest on an upwardly facing surface of one of the pair ofplanks when the support member is positioned between the pair of planks.The transverse member may define an open area within which the end ofthe partial-length plank is received. In one form, the open area definesan axially open passage in the transverse member and the first end ofthe partial-length plank extends through the passage and outwardly fromthe transverse member. In another form, the transverse member includesan end wall that at least in part encloses the open area, and the firstend of the partial-length plank is positioned adjacent the end wall.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a scaffoldingplatform system adapted to be positioned between a pair of spaced-apartscaffold frames platform system includes a series of full-length planksconfigured to span the entire distance between the pair of scaffoldframes, in combination with a series of partial-length planks, each ofwhich has a length less than the distance between the pair of scaffoldframes. Each partial-length plank defines first and second ends, and atleast the first end of each partial-length plank includes a supportmember. When it is desired to form a scaffolding platform without anopening, the full-length planks are employed to fully occupy the areabetween the scaffold frames to form the scaffolding platform. When it isdesired to form a scaffolding platform with an opening, at least onepartial-length plank is positioned between a pair of spaced-apart planksthat cooperate with the first end of the partial-length plank to formthe opening. The support member is engaged with and supported on thepair of spaced-apart planks and the area between the pair of planks andadjacent the first end of the partial-length plank is unoccupied. Thepartial-length plank is engaged with at least one of the scaffold framesand occupies the space between the pair of spaced-apart planks otherthan at the opening. A pair of partial-length planks may be engaged withthe pair of spaced-apart planks such that an area between the pair ofspaced-apart planks and between the first ends of the pair ofpartial-length planks is unoccupied. The partial-length planks areengaged with the scaffold frames and the pair of spaced-apart planks tooccupy the space between the pair of spaced-apart planks other than atthe opening. The partial-length planks may have lengths in predeterminedincrements.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a method offorming a scaffolding platform between a pair of spaced-apart scaffoldframes comprises supporting a series of full-length planks on the pairof scaffold frames such that each full-length plank spans the entiredistance between the scaffold frames; providing at least onepartial-length plank having a length less than the distance between thepair of scaffold frames, with the partial-length plank having first andsecond ends and including a support member adjacent the first end; andengaging the support member with a pair of spaced-apart planks at alocation spaced from the scaffold frames in a location where it isdesired to form an opening in the scaffolding platform. In this manner,the area adjacent the first end of the partial-length plank isunoccupied. The second end of the partial-length plank is supported onone of the scaffold frames, such that the partial-length plank occupiesthe space between the pair of spaced-apart planks other than at theopening. The method may include the act of providing a pair ofpartial-length planks, each of which has a length less than the distancebetween the pair of scaffold frames. Each partial-length plank definesfirst and second ends and includes a support member adjacent the firstend. The act of forming an opening in the scaffold platform is carriedout by engaging the support members of the pair of partial-length plankswith the pair of spaced-apart planks such that an area adjacent betweenthe first ends of the partial-length planks is unoccupied. The pair ofpartial-length planks occupy the space between the pair of spaced-apartplanks other than at the opening. The pair of partial-length planks maybe selected from a plurality of partial-length planks of differentlengths, each of which has a length less than the distance between thepair of scaffold frames. As summarized previously, the support membermay include a pair of spaced-apart plank engagement sectionsinterconnected with the first end of each partial-length plankseparately from each other. Alternatively, the support member mayinclude a pair of spaced-apart plank engagement sections and atransverse member that extends between and interconnects the plankengagement sections.

These and other features and aspects of the present invention will bebetter appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction withthe following description and the accompanying drawings It should beunderstood, however, that the following description, while indicating arepresentative embodiments of the present invention, is given by way ofillustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications maybe made within the scope of the present invention without departing fromthe spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A clear conception of the advantages and features constituting thepresent invention, and of the construction and operation of typicalmechanisms provided with the present invention, will become more readilyapparent by referring to the exemplary, and therefore non-limiting,embodiments illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming a partof this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate thesame elements in the several views, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a scaffold deck that includes openings toaccommodate obstacles, which are formed using bracket-supportedpartial-length planks in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view showing the end of a partial-length plankand an end support bracket incorporated into the scaffold deck of FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the end support bracket of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a rear isometric view of the end support bracket of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an exploded isometric view of a retainer clip assemblyincorporated into the end support bracket of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is an exploded partial bottom isometric view showing the endportion of the partial-length plank and the end support bracket as shownin FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6, showing a double plank version of anend support bracket similar to the end support bracket shown in FIGS.1-4 and 6;

FIG. 8 is a partial bottom isometric view showing an retainerarrangement for use with an end support bracket such as incorporatedinto the scaffold deck of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is an exploded partial front isometric view showing analternative plank and end bracket configuration in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 10 is a partial rear exploded isometric view showing the plank andend bracket configuration of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a partial section view showing the assembled plank and endbracket configuration of FIGS. 9 and 10;

FIG. 12 is an exploded partial front isometric view showing anotheralternative plank and end bracket configuration in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 13 is a partial front isometric view showing the assembledalternative plank and end bracket configuration of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is an exploded partial front isometric view showing anotheralternative plank and end bracket configuration in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 15 is a partial front isometric view showing the assembledalternative plank and end bracket configuration of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a partial isometric view similar to FIG. 1, showing a pivotbracket and hatch or door arrangement that can be employed incombination with the bracket-supported partial-length plank arrangementin accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a view similar to FIG. 16, showing an alternative pivotbracket and hatch or door arrangement that can be employed incombination with the bracket-supported partial-length plank arrangementin accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a partial isometric view similar to FIGS. 2, 9, 10, and12-15, showing an alternative end bracket configuration for use with thebracket-supported partial-length plank arrangement in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 19 is a partial isometric view similar to FIG. 1, showinginstallation of a partial-length plank in a scaffold deck using thealternative end bracket of FIG. 18;

FIGS. 20 and 21 are partial isometric views similar to FIG. 18, showingadditional alternative end bracket configurations for use with thebracket-supported partial-length plank arrangement in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 22 is a partial section view showing the assembled plank and endbracket configuration of FIG. 21;

FIGS. 23 and 24 are partial isometric views similar to FIGS. 18, 21 and22, showing additional alternative end bracket configurations for usewith the bracket-supported partial-length plank arrangement inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 25 is an isometric view of an alternative hinged end bracketconfiguration for use with the bracket-supported partial-length plankarrangement in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a partial isometric view similar to FIGS. 18 and 21-24,showing installation of a pair of hinged end brackets as shown in FIG.25 into a partial-length plank;

FIG. 27 is a partial isometric view showing an alternative end bracketconfiguration that can be achieved using the hinged end brackets asshown in FIGS. 25 and 26; and

FIG. 28 is a partial isometric view of a prior art arrangement forcreating on or more openings in a scaffold deck.

In describing the embodiments of the invention which are illustrated inthe drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake ofclarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited tothe specific terms so selected and it is to be understood that eachspecific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in asimilar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. For example, the wordconnected, attached, or terms similar thereto are often used. They arenot limited to direct connection but include connection through otherelements where such connection is recognized as being equivalent bythose skilled in the art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The various features and advantageous details of the subject matterdisclosed herein are explained more fully with reference to thenon-limiting embodiments described in detail in the followingdescription.

As shown in FIG. 1, a scaffold deck system 30 according to the presentinvention is configured to accommodate passage of one or moreobstructions 42, 44 therethrough. Representatively, the obstructions 42,43, 44 may be in the form of pipes, conduits, etc., although it isunderstood that deck system 30 may be used in any application in whichit is desired to accommodate any type of obstruction in a work area. Thedeck system 30 includes a number of planks 32, 34, 36 that are providedin various longitudinal lengths. As used herein, a full-length plank,such as a plank 32, is a plank having a longitudinal length that issufficient to allow support of the opposite ends 52 of the respectiveplank by rails 38 of a pair of underlying scaffolding frames. The planksthat are shorter than full-length planks 32, shown representatively at34, 36, may be provided in a number of different lengths, whichrepresentatively may be incremental lengths. For example, the planksthat are shorter than the full-length planks 32 may be provided inone-foot increments ranging from one foot long to a length one foot lessthan the full-length plank 32. If desired, however, the less thanfull-length planks may be provided in other length increments, such asin 6 inch increments. In addition, the less than full-length planks maybe provided in non-uniform incremental lengths when suitable for certainapplications. Regardless of the lengths of the respective planks 32-36,the planks 32-36 are generally provided in a uniform width. However, itis also understood that the planks may be provided in non-uniformwidths, such as when it may be desired to increase the range of openingsthat can be formed in the deck system 40.

In accordance with the present invention, and as shown in FIGS. 1-6, theless than full length planks, such as 34, 36, incorporated into decksystem 30 representatively each includes a transverse end support orfloat bracket 50 that is configured to cooperate with respective ends 52of any of planks 34, 36 as well as adjacent planks 32, 34, 36 and/orrails 38 associated with the scaffolding frame. As shown in FIGS. 2 and3, each float bracket 50 includes wings 56 that extend from thegenerally opposite transverse ends 58 of the respective float bracket50. Each float bracket 50 further defines a cavity 60 that is shaped toreceive a respective end 52 of a respective plank 34, 36. Wings 56extend outward relative to cavity 60 so as to generally overlie adjacentplanks 32, 34, 36 and/or rail 38 of the scaffolding frame during theformation of a desired deck or platform.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, each float bracket 50 can include a hole 62associated with receiving a locking pin or similar such structure thatslidably cooperates with the hole 62 formed in the respective floatbracket 50 and a corresponding hole 64 (FIG. 2) associated with an end90 of a respective plank 34, 36. With this construction, float bracket50 is slidably engaged with the end 90 of the desired plank, asindicated by arrow 86, and a pin 88 or other similar structure, isinserted through the overlapping openings 62, 64 and preventslongitudinal translation of the float bracket 50 relative to the plankto which it is engaged. While a pin-and-opening arrangement as shown anddescribed may be employed to secure the float bracket 50 to the end ofthe plank, it is understood that any other satisfactory arrangement maybe employed to secure the float bracket 50 to the end of the plank.Representative alternatives include, but are not limited to, mechanicalfasteners such as screws, adhesives, etc.

Each float bracket 50 also representatively includes a catch 66 that ismovable relative to the respective float bracket 50. As shown in FIG. 5,in one embodiment, catch 66 may include a clip member 72 that is securedto a respective float bracket 50 via a fastener 68, a corresponding nut70, and one or more washers 73, 74. It is envisioned that catch 66 maybe operable from positions generally above the respective float bracket50 via user interaction with fastener 68 and/or from below therespective float bracket 50 via direct user interaction with clip member72.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, each float bracket 50 representativelyincludes catches 66 that are secured to the float bracket 50 proximatethe opposite ends associated with the cavity 60. The clip member 72associated with each catch 66 is rotatable between a retracted firstposition P1, wherein the clip member 72 does not overlie the footprintassociated with wing 56, and an extended second position P2 wherein therespective clip member 72 overlies the footprint associated with arespective wing 56 and thereby defining a space 78 therebetween. Thespace 78 is representatively shaped to allow secure cooperation ofadjacent planks 32, 34, 36 and/or rails 38 of the scaffolding frame witha respective end of each respective float bracket 50 necessary for agiven deck configuration.

Still referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, each float bracket 50 representativelyincludes one or more stops 80, 82 associated with providing a tactileindication as to the orientation of the respective clip member 72relative to positions P and P2. As should be appreciated, when therespective clip member 72 is oriented in the extended position P2relative to the respective float bracket 50, the overlapping orientationof the respective wing 56 and respective clip member 72 preventsvertical translation between the immediately adjacent plank 32, 34, 36and/or rail 38 that is disposed in space 78. Conversely, when clipmember 72 is oriented in the retracted position P1 relative to therespective float bracket 50, clip member 72 allows vertical translationrelative to the adjacent plank or rail for installation or removal.

FIG. 7 shows an alternate embodiment of a transverse end support orfloat bracket 90 according to the present invention. Float bracket 90has a generally similar construction as float bracket 50 such thatsimilar reference numbers have been used to designate the similarstructures thereof. However, float bracket 90 is shaped to cooperatewith a pair of planks 34, 36 positioned in immediately adjacentproximity to one another relative to a lateral direction, as indicatedby arrow 92, such that float bracket 90 accommodates securing of adouble or wider width plank or a pair or multiple number of planksrelative to adjacent planks 32, 34, 36 and/or rails 38 of a scaffoldingframe. Said in another way, float bracket 90 is constructed to supportan otherwise free end of two or more adjacent planks. Float bracket 90can include an access window 92 that is oriented and shaped to allowuser interaction with respective end 94, 96 of corresponding pins 98,100 associated with preventing longitudinal translation of float bracket90 relative to adjacent planks 34, 36 similar to pin 88 as shown in FIG.6.

FIG. 8 shows an end support or float bracket 104 according to anotherembodiment of the invention that is generally similar to float brackets50, 90 such that similar structures have been designated with the samereference numbers as used above. Float bracket 104 includes wings 56that extend from generally opposite longitudinal ends thereof so as togenerally overlie adjacent planks 32, 34, 36 and/or rails 38 of thescaffold frame. Float bracket 104 defines a cavity 60 that is shaped toslidably cooperate with a respective end 52 of a respective plank 32,34, 36.

Float bracket 104 includes catches 106 that are slidably associated withthe respective float bracket 104, as opposed to the pivoting movement ofcatches 66 described above. Catches 106 are movable between a firstposition P3 wherein a catch bracket 110 generally overlies the areaassociated with cavity 60 and does not interfere with the footprintassociated with wing 56, and a second position P4 wherein a portion 114of the respective catch bracket 110 extends beyond the area associatedwith cavity 60 and generally overlies at least a portion of the areaassociated with the footprint of a respective wing 56. A space 114 isdefined between each wing 56 and the corresponding catch bracket 110.Each space 114 is shaped to accommodate cooperation with adjacent planks32, 34, 36 and/or a rail 38 of the scaffolding frame. Representatively,float bracket 104 is provided with a stop 120 that is movable and/orremovable therefrom so as to retain brackets 110 in a respectiveposition P3, P4 relative to float bracket 104. Stop 120 representativelyprevents unintended translation of brackets 110 relative to the desiredposition P3, P4. Said in another way, user interaction isrepresentatively required to effectuate translation of catch brackets110 relative to the respective float bracket 104 to which it isattached.

It should be appreciated that float brackets 50, 90, 104 can beconstructed to cooperate with scaffold planks 34, 36 having variousdimensions as well as planks that are constructed of various materialssuch as metal planks, synthetic planks, and planks constructed ofdimensional lumber or wood planks. Referring to FIGS. 9-11, any of floatbrackets 50, 90, 104 can include one or more openings 120 constructed toreceive a fastener, such as a nail or screw 122, for securing therespective float bracket 50, 90, 104 relative to a respective plank 34,36 when the construction and/or material of the respective plank 32, 34,36 accommodate such a connection.

As shown in FIGS. 12-13, it is further envisioned that one or more offloat brackets 50, 90, 104 can be configured to cooperate with planksconstructed of various materials as discussed above in addition toplanks having various constructions or configurations associated withthe respective ends 52 thereof. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, floatbrackets 50, 90, 104 can include a pair of end walls 128, 130 that areconstructed to slidably cooperate with a respective channel 132, 134associated with a respective end 52 of a respective plank 34, 36, whichrepresentatively may be a plank formed of rolled aluminum or othermetallic material. It should be appreciated that the shape of the end ofthe plank shown in FIG. 12 is fairly prolific in metal plankconstructions.

FIGS. 14-15 show an alternate embodiment wherein the respective plank34, 36 includes a pair of hooks 136, 138 that are oriented at theopposite lateral ends of the respective plank 34, 36. Commonly, hooks136, 138 include a recess 140 that is shaped to removably cooperate witha corresponding rail 38 associated with a scaffolding frame. As shown inFIG. 13, float brackets 50, 90, 104 can be constructed to cooperate withends 52 of planks 32, 34, 36 having hooks 136, 138 without interferingwith the functionality associated with the use thereof for engagementwith other scaffold rails or other float brackets. As shown in FIG. 14,float bracket 50, 90, 104 is secured to a respective length plank 32,34, 36 such that hooks 136, 138 extend past the respective bracket 50,90, 104 for cooperation with an adjacent rail 38 associated with thescaffolding frame.

FIGS. 16 and 17 show various embodiments of another feature associatedwith scaffold deck system 30. One or more of float brackets 50, 90, 104can include pivot mounts 146 associated with pivotably connecting ahatch or access door 148 associated with the desired formation ofplatform 40. A pivot pin 150 cooperates with a respective mount 146 andaccess door 148 to allow rotation of door 148 relative to platform 40.As indicated by arrows 152, it is envisioned that door 148 can overlap acorresponding rail 38 of the scaffolding frame, as shown in FIG. 16, orinclude one or more hooks 156 that cooperate with rail 138 to providesecure interaction therewith. Regardless of the support configuration,access door 148 is representatively positionally associated with aladder 154 used to gain access to the upper surface defined by thecooperation of the planks associated with defining the platform 40. Itis further appreciated that door 148 could be provided at otherlocations of deck 40 and could be used for other purposes, such as theremoval of debris from the work platform.

Still referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, deck system 30 may include one ormore adapter brackets 160 that can be connected to the tabs or wings 56associated with any of float brackets 50, 90, 104. Each adapter bracket160 includes arms 162 that are shaped to cooperate with rail 38 of ascaffolding frame. Such a construction allows each of float brackets 50,90, 104 to be conveniently shaped to cooperate with either of anadjacent plank 32, 34, 36 and/or the rail 38 of the scaffolding framewhen a respective end of a respective float bracket 50, 90, 104 isassociated with a perimeter edge of platform 40. This also allows thefloating planks and hatch to maintain a level and height consistent withthat of the rest of the deck and that of full length planks 32.

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, one or more fasteners 170 are shaped tocooperate with an elongated groove 172 associated with the respectivefloat bracket 50, 90, 104 and the corresponding opening 174 associatedwith the respective adapter bracket 160 to allow a limited degree ofadjustability of the lateral orientation of the respective bracket 160relative to the corresponding float bracket 50, 90, 104 and thecorresponding rail 38 of the scaffolding frame. This configurationprovides a limited degree of individualization of the lateralorientation of the adapter bracket 160 relative to the respective floatbracket 50, 90, 104 and the underlying rails 38 associated with thescaffolding frame. As shown by comparing FIGS. 16 and 17, it isenvisioned that access door 148 can be provided in various widths suchas a two plank width, as indicated in FIG. 16, or a three plank width,as indicated in FIG. 17. Such a construction allows access door 148 tobe individualized to a particular application and/or intended use ofscaffolding deck system 30.

FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate an alternative configuration for an endsupport or float bracket in accordance with the present invention, shownat 200. In this version, the float bracket 200 includes a pair of wings202, as in the embodiments shown and described previously. In thisversion, however, the area between the wings 202 is occupied by an openplank end receiver structure, defined by a top wall 204 that is coplanarwith wings 202, a pair of side walls 206 that extend downwardly from topwall 204, and a bottom wall 208 that extends between and interconnectsthe lower ends of side walls 206. Top wall 204, side walls 206 andbottom wall 208 cooperate to form an open passage 210, which has across-section slightly larger than the plank, such as 34, 36, to whichfloat bracket 200 is to be secured. In this manner, the end of the plank34, 36 can be inserted into and through the passage 210, as indicated bythe arrow in FIG. 18, so that float bracket 200 can essentially bepositioned anywhere along the length of the plank 34, 36.Representatively, one of the walls, such as the top wall 204, may beprovided with openings 212 through which fasteners such as screws ornails 214 may be inserted for engagement with the plank 34, 36, in orderto secure float bracket 200 in a desired position on the plank 34, 36.The wings 202 may also be provided with openings, such as 216, forreceiving fasteners 214. In this manner, the fasteners 214 that extendthrough openings 216 are used to secure the float bracket 200, andthereby the plank 34, 36, in a desired position relative to the adjacentplanks in order to provide an opening in a desired location on thescaffold platform. The float bracket 200 may also include retainers inthe form of tabs 218, which are spaced below wings 202 so as to define aspace within which the edge of the adjacent plank can be received. Inthe same manner as described above, the tabs 218 prevent upward movementof the plank 34, 36 when installed.

It can be appreciated that the float bracket 200 may be formed of aone-piece construction, such as injection molding of a plastic materialor extrusion of an aluminum material, in order to provide low cost anddurability. However, other satisfactory materials and forming methodsmay be employed. The float bracket 200 is well suited for use with plankmaterial formed of conventional lumber, although it is understood thatany other type of plank may be employed in combination with floatbracket 200.

FIG. 20 shows another alternative configuration for an end support orfloat bracket in accordance with the present invention, in the form of apair of end brackets shown at 250 a, 250 b. End brackets 250 a, 250 bare mirror images of each other, and include respective wings 252 a, 252b that extend outwardly from respective vertical walls 254 a, 254 b. Endbrackets 250 a, 250 b also include respective bottom flanges 256 a, 256b and bottom flanges 258 a, 258 b. Bottom flanges 258 a, 258 b extendthroughout the length of respective vertical walls 254 a, 254 b at thebottom end of each, and top flanges 256 a, 256 b extend throughout thelength of respective vertical walls 254 a, 254 b other than at thelocation of respective wings 252 a, 252 b. Openings 260 a, 260 b areformed in respective wings 252 a, 252 b, and openings 262 a, 262 b areformed in respective vertical walls 254 a, 254 b.

With the configuration of end brackets 250 a, 250 b as shown anddescribed, the end brackets 250 a, 250 b may be secured one to each sideof the plank 34, 36. In the case of a metal plank 34, 36, which includesa channel at each side defined by the top wall, side wall and bottomflange, the end brackets 250 a, 250 b nest within each channel such thatthe outer surfaces of the vertical walls 254 a, 254 b face and engagethe respective inner surfaces of the plank side walls. Fasteners such asscrews 264 extend through openings in the plank side walls and into theopenings 262 a, 262 b for securing the respective end brackets 250 a,250 b to the end of the plank 32, 34. End brackets 250 a, 250 b areconstructed such that, when installed on the plank 34, 36, the inneredge of each wing 252 a, 252 b is in contact with or immediatelyadjacent the end surface of the plank 32, 34. In this manner, the plank34, 36 can be engaged with the adjacent planks and placed in any desiredposition so as to form an opening in a scaffold platform.

It should be appreciated that the end brackets such as 250 a, 250 b mayhave a one-piece construction, such as may be provided using a sheetmetal blank and stamping and bending operations, although othersatisfactory materials and forming methods may be employed. It shouldalso be appreciated that the end brackets 250 a, 250 b may be used witha plank of any width, and additionally are not limited for use with ametal plank as shown and described but may be used with any othersatisfactory plank construction as desired. For example, end bracketssimilar to brackets 250 a, 250 b may be used with a wood plank bysecuring the brackets 250 a, 250 b to the side surfaces of the woodplank. The brackets 250 a, 250 b may be positioned such that the wings252 a, 252 b extend outwardly from the end of the plank, oralternatively the brackets 250 a, 250 b may be positioned at any otherdesired location inwardly of the end of the plank.

FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate another alternative embodiment of an endsupport or float bracket in accordance with the present invention, shownat 300. In this embodiment, the float bracket 300 includes a pair ofside bracket sections 302 a, 302 b that are constructed similarly to endbrackets 250 a, 250, respectively, as shown and described previously. Inthis version, however, the side bracket sections 302 a, 302 b areinterconnected with each other via a transverse connector member 304,which spaces the bracket sections 302 a, 302 b a predetermined distanceapart from each other according to the width of the plank to which thefloat bracket 300 is to be connected. As described above with respect toend brackets 250 a, 250 b, float bracket 300 may be secured to a metalplank 34, 36, by nesting the side bracket sections 302 a, 302 b withinthe facing channels of the plank such that the outer surfaces of thevertical walls of the bracket sections 302 a, 302 b face and engage therespective inner surfaces of the plank side walls. Fasteners such asscrews 304 extend through openings in the plank side walls and into theopenings in the vertical walls of bracket sections 302 a, 302 b forsecuring the respective bracket sections 302 a, 302 b to the end of theplank 32, 34. When installed on the plank 34, 36, the inner edge of eachwing of bracket sections 302 a, 302 b is in contact with or immediatelyadjacent the end surface of the plank 32, 34. In this manner, the plank34, 36 can be engaged with the adjacent planks and placed in any desiredposition so as to form an opening in a scaffold platform.

Again, it should be appreciated that the float bracket 300 may have aone-piece construction, such as may be provided using a sheet metalblank and stamping and bending operations, although other satisfactorymaterials and forming methods may be employed. It should also beappreciated that the float bracket 300 may be used with any othersatisfactory plank construction as desired. For example, float bracket300 may be used with a wood plank by securing the brackets sections 302a, 302 b to the side surfaces of the wood plank. The bracket sections302 a, 302 b may be positioned such that the bracket wings extendoutwardly from the end of the plank, or alternatively may be positionedat any other desired location inwardly of the end of the plank.

FIG. 23 illustrates an alternative application for end brackets 250 a,250 b as shown in FIG. 20 and described previously. This application isadapted for use in providing a wider opening in the scaffold platformusing a pair of side-by-side planks 34, 36. In this version, atransverse connection member 350 is used to connect the end brackets 250a, 250 b together. The transverse connection member 350 includes a topwall 352, an end wall 354, a bottom wall (not shown) configuredsimilarly to top wall 352, and a pair of end walls 356 a, 356 b. The endwalls 356 a, 356 b are configured to fit between the top and bottomflanges of the respective end brackets 250 a, 250 b, and engage thefacing inner surfaces of the vertical walls 254 a, 254 b of respectiveend brackets 250 a, 250 b. The end walls 356 a, 356 b include respectiveopenings 358 a, 358 b that align with openings formed in respectivevertical walls 254 a, 254 b. Fasteners such as screws extend through thealigned openings so as to secure end brackets 250 a, 250 b andtransverse connection member 350 together. With this configuration, theassembled end brackets 250 a, 250 b and transverse connection member 350may be secured to the end of a pair of metal planks 34, 36, by nestingthe end brackets 250 a, 250 b within each channel of the metal planksuch that the outer surfaces of the vertical walls 254 a, 254 b face andengage the respective inner surfaces of the plank side walls. Fastenerssuch as screws 360 extend through openings in the plank side walls andinto the end bracket openings for securing the respective end brackets250 a, 250 b to the ends of the side-by-side planks 32, 34. The top wall352 and bottom wall of the transverse connection member 350 includealigned notches, shown at 362 with respect to top wall 352, within whichthe side walls of the planks 34, 36 are received when the end brackets250 a, 250 b and transverse connection member are secured to the planks34, 36 in this manner. End brackets 250 a, 250 b are constructed suchthat, when installed on the planks 34, 36, the inner edge of each wing252 a, 252 b is in contact with or immediately adjacent the end surfacesof the plank 32, 34. In this manner, the planks 34, 36 can be engagedwith the adjacent planks and placed in any desired position so as toform an opening in a scaffold platform, and the transverse connectionmember 350 provides support for the ends of the planks 34, 36 at theopening.

FIG. 24 illustrates another alternative application for end brackets 250a, 250 b as shown in FIG. 20 and described previously. Again, thisapplication is adapted for use in providing a wider opening in thescaffold platform using a pair of side-by-side planks 34, 36. In thisversion, a transverse connection member 400 is used to connect the endbrackets 250 a, 250 b together. The transverse connection member 400includes a pair of end tabs 402 a, 402 b that extend upwardly from theopposite ends of a transverse wall 404. A vertical flange 406 extendsdownwardly from one edge, or alternatively both edges, of bottom wall404. Bottom wall 404 includes a centrally located recess or channel 408.The end tabs 402 a, 402 b are configured to fit between the top andbottom flanges of the respective end brackets 250 a, 250 b, and engagethe facing inner surfaces of the vertical walls 254 a, 254 b ofrespective end brackets 250 a, 250 b. The tabs 402 a, 402 b includerespective openings 410 a, 401 b that align with openings formed inrespective vertical walls 254 a, 254 b. Fasteners such as screws 360extend through the aligned openings so as to secure end brackets 250 a,250 b and transverse connection member 400 together. With thisconfiguration, the assembled end brackets 250 a, 250 b and transverseconnection member 400 may be secured to the end of a pair of metalplanks 34, 36, by nesting the end brackets 250 a, 250 b within eachchannel of the metal plank such that the outer surfaces of the verticalwalls 254 a, 254 b face and engage the respective inner surfaces of theplank side walls. The channel 408 is configured to underlie the abuttinglower flanges of the planks 34, 36 when the end brackets 250 a, 250 bare positioned in this manner. Fasteners such as screws 360 extendthrough openings in the plank side walls and into the end bracketopenings for securing the respective end brackets 250 a, 250 b to theends of the side-by-side planks 32, 34. Again, end brackets 250 a, 250 bare constructed such that, when installed on the planks 34, 36, theinner edge of each wing 252 a, 252 b is in contact with or immediatelyadjacent the end surfaces of the plank 32, 34. In this manner, theplanks 34, 36 can be engaged with the adjacent planks and placed in anydesired position so as to form an opening in a scaffold platform, andthe transverse connection member 400 provides support for the ends ofthe planks 34, 36 at the opening.

FIGS. 25-27 illustrate an alternative end bracket arrangement thatincludes a pair of hinge-type end brackets 450 a, 450 b, which can beused similarly to end brackets 250 a, 250 b as shown and describedpreviously. In this version, hinge-type end brackets 450 a, 450 binclude respective mounting sections 452 a, 452 b and wing sections 454a, 454 b. Mounting sections 452 a, 452 b have a generally C-shapedconfiguration, including respective vertical walls 456 a, 456 b, topflanges 458 a, 458 b and bottom flanges 460 a, 460 b. Mounting sections452 a, 452 b also include respective vertical hinge barrels 462 a, 462b.

Wing sections 454 a, 454 b include respective upper wing members 464 a,464 b and vertical walls 466 a, 466 b, which include hinge pin receiverssuch as shown at 468 a on vertical wall 466 a. In addition, wingsections 454 a, 454 b include respective oppositely extending lower tabs470 a, 472 a and 470 b, 472 b located at the lower ends of respectivevertical walls 466 a, 466 b. Hinge pins 474 a, 474 b function topivotably connect respective mounting sections 452 a, 452 b and wingsections 454 a, 454 b together. In a manner as is known, each hinge pin474 a, 474 b extends through the aligned hinge pin receivers and hingebarrels, such as shown at 462 a, 468 a with respect to end bracket 450a. With this construction, hinge-type end brackets 450 a, 450 b can bemoved between an in-line configuration as shown in FIG. 26 and atransverse configuration as shown in FIG. 27. When in the in-lineconfiguration of FIG. 26, the wing sections 454 a, 454 b of end brackets450 a, 450 b function similarly to the end brackets 250 a, 250 bdescribed previously. In this configuration, the lower tabs 470 a, 470 bunderlie the lower surfaces of the adjacent planks so as to preventupward movement of the plank 34, 36 to which the end brackets 450 a, 450b are connected. When in the transverse configuration of FIG. 27, thewing sections 454 a, 454 b may rest on and be secured to any surface Son which a plank such as 34, 36 is to be supported. If the surface S isthat another plank or the like, the lower tabs 470 a, 470 b arepositioned so as to underlie the lower area so as to prevent upwardmovement of the end of the plank 34, 36.

It should be appreciated that the various scaffolding deck systemsdescribed above and the various features associated therewith, includevarious features that may be more desirable to certain classes of usersor intended applications than to others. The scaffold deck system 180can be uniquely configured to tolerate obstructions in virtually anylocation within the deck system 180, and do so in a manner wherein theplane associated with formation of the deck is maintained in closeproximity to the obstruction(s). Scaffold deck system 180 can beindividualized such that the respective individual components thereofcan cooperate with one another in a manner that avoids the unnecessarywaste commonly associated with forming a scaffold deck to accommodatesuch interferences. It is envisioned that float brackets and scaffoldplanks in accordance with those disclosed herein can be manufactured inany number of ways including being extruded, stamped, folded metal,molded synthetic materials, extruded, and/or formed from compositematerials, etc. without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent invention.

It is understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and arrangements of the components set forthherein. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of beingpracticed or carried out in various ways. Variations and modificationsare within the scope of the present invention. It is also understoodthat the invention disclosed herein extends to all alternativecombinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned orevident from the text and/or drawings. All of these differentcombinations constitute various alternative aspects of the presentinvention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes knownfor practicing the invention and will enable others skilled in the artto utilize the invention.

I claim:
 1. A scaffolding arrangement, comprising: a pair ofspaced-apart scaffold frames; and a scaffold platform supported by thescaffold frames, wherein the scaffold platform is defined by a pluralityof side-by-side planks, wherein the scaffold platform defines at leastone opening located between a pair of planks, and wherein the opening isformed by the pair of planks in combination with at least onepartial-length scaffold plank having first and second ends and a lengthless than the space between the scaffold frames, wherein thepartial-length plank includes a support member located toward the firstend that extends between and is supported by the pair of planks at alocation between the scaffold frames.
 2. The scaffolding arrangement ofclaim 1, wherein the opening is defined between the first end of thepartial-length plank and one of the scaffold frames.
 3. The scaffoldingarrangement of claim 1, wherein the partial-length plank is one of apair of partial-length planks and wherein each partial-length plankincludes a support member, wherein the opening is formed by the firstend of a first one of the partial-length planks in combination with afirst end of a second one of the partial-length planks.
 4. Thescaffolding arrangement of claim 1, wherein the support member comprisesa pair of spaced-apart plank engagement sections interconnected with thepartial-length plank.
 5. The scaffolding arrangement of claim 4, whereinthe pair of spaced-apart plank engagement sections are secured tospaced-apart areas of the partial length plank separately from eachother.
 6. The scaffolding arrangement of claim 4, wherein the supportmember further comprises a transverse member that extends between andinterconnects the plank engagement sections.
 7. The scaffoldingarrangement of claim 6, wherein each plank engagement section includesan upper wall configured to engage and rest on an upwardly facingsurface of one of the pair of planks when the support member ispositioned between the pair of planks.
 8. The scaffolding arrangement ofclaim 7, wherein the transverse member defines an open area within whichthe end of the partial-length plank is received.
 9. The scaffoldingarrangement of claim 8, wherein the open area defines an axially openpassage in the transverse member, and wherein the first end of thepartial-length plank extends through the passage and outwardly from thetransverse member.
 10. The scaffolding arrangement of claim 8, whereinthe transverse member includes an end wall that at least in partencloses the open area and wherein the first end of the partial-lengthplank is positioned adjacent the end wall.
 11. The scaffoldingarrangement of claim 8, wherein the transverse member is positionedbelow a lower surface defined by the first end of the partial-lengthplank.
 12. A scaffolding platform system adapted to be positionedbetween a pair of spaced-apart scaffold frames, comprising: a pluralityof full-length planks configured to span the entire distance between thepair of scaffold frames; a plurality of partial-length planks, each ofwhich has a length less than the distance between the pair of scaffoldframes, wherein each partial-length plank defines first and second ends,wherein at least the first end of each partial-length plank includes asupport member; and wherein when it is desired to form a scaffoldingplatform without an opening, the full-length planks are employed tofully occupy the area between the scaffold frames to form thescaffolding platform, and wherein when it is desired to form ascaffolding platform with an opening, at least one partial-length plankis positioned between a pair of spaced-apart planks that cooperate withthe first end of the partial-length plank to form the opening, whereinthe support member is engaged with and supported on the pair ofspaced-apart planks and the area between the pair of planks and adjacentthe first end of the partial-length plank is unoccupied, wherein thepartial-length plank is engaged with at least one of the scaffold framesand occupies the space between the pair of spaced-apart planks otherthan at the opening.
 13. The scaffolding platform system of claim 12,wherein a pair of partial-length planks are engaged with the pair ofspaced-apart planks such that an area between the pair of spaced-apartplanks and between the first ends of the pair of partial-length planksis unoccupied, wherein the partial-length planks are engaged with thescaffold frames and the pair of spaced-apart planks to occupy the spacebetween the pair of spaced-apart planks other than at the opening. 14.The scaffolding platform system of claim 12, wherein the partial-lengthplanks have lengths in predetermined increments.
 15. The scaffoldingplatform system of claim 12, wherein each transverse support membercomprises a pair of spaced-apart plank engagement sections and a plankend support member that extends between and interconnects the plankengagement sections.
 16. The scaffolding platform system of claim 15,wherein each plank engagement section includes an upper wall configuredto engage and rest on an upwardly facing surface of one of the plankswhen the transverse support member is positioned between a pair ofplanks.
 17. A method of forming a scaffolding platform between a pair ofspaced-apart scaffold frames, comprising the acts of: supporting aplurality of full-length planks on the pair of scaffold frames, whereineach full-length plank spans the entire distance between the scaffoldframes; providing at least one partial-length plank having a length lessthan the distance between the pair of scaffold frames, wherein thepartial-length plank defines first and second ends and includes asupport member adjacent the first end; and in a location where it isdesired to form an opening in the scaffolding platform, engaging thesupport member with a pair of spaced-apart planks at a location spacedfrom the scaffold frames, wherein the area adjacent the first end of thepartial-length plank is unoccupied, and supporting the second end of thepartial-length plank on one of the scaffold frames, wherein thepartial-length plank occupies the space between the pair of spaced-apartplanks other than at the opening.
 18. The method of claim 17, whereinthe act of providing at least one partial-length plank comprisesproviding a pair of partial-length planks, each of which has a lengthless than the distance between the pair of scaffold frames and definesfirst and second ends and includes a support member adjacent the firstend, and wherein the act of forming an opening in the scaffold platformis carried out by engaging the support members of the pair ofpartial-length planks with the pair of spaced-apart planks such that anarea adjacent between the first ends of the partial-length planks isunoccupied, wherein the pair of partial-length planks occupy the spacebetween the pair of spaced-apart planks other than at the opening. 19.The method of claim 17, wherein the pair of partial-length planks areselected from a plurality of partial-length planks of different lengths,each of which has a length less than the distance between the pair ofscaffold frames.
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein the support membercomprises a pair of spaced-apart plank engagement sectionsinterconnected with the first end of the partial-length plank separatelyfrom each other.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the support membercomprises a pair of spaced-apart plank engagement sections and atransverse member that extends between and interconnects the plankengagement sections.